13 | CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Assuring impact
The Impact Strategy Unit develops strategies to implement new or revised Council policies. In measuring impact, the Unit reviews the goal of the policy, identifies methods for implementation, and sets an evaluation plan.
The following areas are moving through the outcomes-focused regulation framework:
• Role of facility directors: To assist facility directors in their role, various tools support understanding of the accreditation model. Tactics include a dedicated facility director newsletter, a guide to understanding the accreditation model, webinars and sample inspection checklists. New videos explain accreditation requirements and assist veterinary teams in preparing for inspections. As well, infographics share insight on the steps to preparing for an inspection and also offer guidance on meeting the accreditation standards.
• Management of drugs: This initiative endeavours to change behaviour on veterinary teams to improve drug management in veterinary facilities. The Lock Label Locate campaign was launched in November 2022 and has supported positive changes related to drug disposal and attentiveness to drug management.
• Accreditation model: The accreditation model provides a modern and adaptable framework that aligns with the evolving demands of veterinary service delivery. The transition to the current model has been well-received, as evidenced by the increase in new practices, increased inquiries from veterinarians seeking information about the accreditation processes, and positive feedback from facility directors. To ensure continued success, we continue to track data and monitor performance.
• Building a culture of safety: A culture of safety supports the profession’ s ability to discuss mistakes and risks in practice and to learn from these events. Research on opportunities continues.
• Peer Review of Medical Records: Medical records are central to safe, quality medicine and provide the basis for the continuity of veterinary care. The Peer Review of Medical Records supports veterinarians in meeting the standards for medical records that support optimal veterinary care. The 2024 aggregate report highlights opportunities for all veterinarians to enhance their record-keeping.
• Establishing the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship( VCPR): The VCPR is the foundation of effective clinical veterinary medicine and animal care. A video, checklist and learning module were developed to assist veterinary teams with clarity on the components of establishing a VCPR in day-today practice.
• Evaluation of remedial undertakings: This initiative analyses the impact of remediation on improving a veterinarian’ s practice. Reports from 2020 and 2022 demonstrate the approach to remediation is working. Analysis on recent data continues.
• Cultural humility: The Quality Assurance Committee completed research on cultural humility in developing supports related to professionalism. Knowledge-building continues in establishing an approach to professional conduct that supports anti-racism, equity and allyship. Articles and a podcast have been published to promote awareness and understanding.